Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Joe Rogan

Public opinion and media debates around Joe Rogan—discover key moments of controversy.

Joe Rogan is a multifaceted American entertainer known primarily for hosting "The Joe Rogan Experience," a highly influential and popular podcast since 2009. Beyond podcasting, he is a UFC color commentator, stand-up comedian, actor, and former television host. His podcast is known for long-form conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds, covering topics ranging from science and philosophy to current events and comedy. Since 2020, it has consistently ranked as the most streamed podcast on Spotify, solidifying Rogan's position as a prominent figure in media and pop culture.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1993: Accusations of Joke Thievery Against Carlos Mencia Began

Since 1993, Joe Rogan claimed that comedian Carlos Mencia of joke thievery, an accusation he repeated in 2005.

2005: Accused Carlos Mencia of Joke Thievery

In 2005, Joe Rogan wrote a blog entry accusing comedian Carlos Mencia of joke thievery.

February 2007: Confronted Carlos Mencia on Stage

In February 2007, Joe Rogan confronted Carlos Mencia on stage at The Comedy Store in Hollywood over allegations of joke thievery.

2010: Accused Dane Cook of Joke Thievery

In 2010, Joe Rogan accused comedian Dane Cook of joke thievery.

April 2021: Contentious remarks about COVID-19 vaccines

In April 2021, Joe Rogan made contentious remarks about COVID-19 vaccines, claiming that young, healthy people do not need to be vaccinated, leading to criticism from health officials and media outlets.

September 1, 2021: Rogan tests positive for COVID-19

On September 1, 2021, Joe Rogan tested positive for COVID-19 and subsequently reported on his condition, including his use of ivermectin, which drew controversy.

January 2022: Scientists' open letter to Spotify

In January 2022, 270 scientists, physicians, and healthcare workers wrote an open letter to Spotify expressing concern over misinformation on The Joe Rogan Experience, particularly regarding COVID-19.

January 24, 2022: Neil Young demands Spotify remove his music

On January 24, 2022, Neil Young posted an open letter demanding that Spotify remove his music if they did not remove The Joe Rogan Experience due to misinformation concerns.

February 4, 2022: Spotify removes 70 Joe Rogan Experience episodes

On February 4, 2022, Spotify removed 70 episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience selected by Rogan, all of which predated the COVID-19 pandemic, after discussions about his past racially insensitive language.

February 2022: Spotify removes episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience

In February 2022, Spotify removed 113 episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience due to concerns over racist and insensitive language.

February 2022: Controversy over racial slur usage

In February 2022, singer India Arie shared a compilation of Joe Rogan saying a racial slur on The Joe Rogan Experience, leading to Rogan's apology and claims of a "political hit job".

April 2022: Criticism of transgender swimmer Lia Thomas

In April 2022, Joe Rogan criticized transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, suggesting she "might be the woke straw that breaks society's camel's back". He has been outspoken against transgender women competing in women's sports.

October 2022: Sharing discredited litter box hoax

In October 2022, Joe Rogan shared the widely discredited hoax about public schools providing litter boxes to students who identify as cats during an interview with Tulsi Gabbard. He later acknowledged a lack of proof but falsely claimed there were discussions about the idea.

February 2023: Antisemitic comments about Jewish people and money

In February 2023, Joe Rogan made controversial comments on his podcast, stating that the "idea that Jewish people are not into money is ridiculous", defending Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. The Anti-Defamation League condemned these comments as antisemitic.

February 2024: Promotion of debunked AIDS claims

In February 2024, Joe Rogan promoted debunked claims that party drugs caused AIDS and falsely claimed that the drug AZT killed people faster than AIDS, during a podcast with Bret Weinstein. The American Foundation for AIDS Research criticized the podcast for disseminating false information.

March 2024: Rogan describes Israel's actions in Gaza as a genocide

In March 2024, Joe Rogan described Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip as a "genocide" but later appreciated a guest's perspective disputing the allegations.

April 2024: Lawsuit filed against Onnit

In April 2024, a lawsuit was filed against Onnit, alleging that its 'Alpha BRAIN' supplement was deceptively advertised and ineffective.

November 2024: Criticism of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

In November 2024, Joe Rogan stated that the Russian invasion of Ukraine was "100% wrong". He criticized President Biden and President Zelenskyy. Ukrainian world heavyweight boxing champion, Wladimir Klitschko, accused Rogan of "repeating Russian propaganda".

March 2025: Criticism of Trump's feud with Canada

In March 2025, Joe Rogan criticized Donald Trump’s feud with Canada as "stupid", highlighting the negative reception faced during sporting events.

April 2025: Criticism of deportation operations

By April 2025, Joe Rogan referred to the Trump administration's deportation operations to El Salvador as "horrific", expressing strong disapproval of the policy.

April 2025: Comments on the re-emergence of the slur "retard"

In April 2025, Joe Rogan made controversial comments stating the re-emergence of the disability slur "retard" into the mainstream is "one of the greatest cultural victories", attributing it to podcasts.